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Community Impact

YWCA of San Diego County empowers more than 6,000 women, children, and families each year to escape domestic violence and overcome homelessness — ultimately transforming their lives.

By the Numbers

After completing the Becky’s House domestic violence program, 99% of our clients do not return to their abusers and
83% increase their income.

After completing the Passages program,
76% of our clients gain or increase employment income and 48% move into permanent housing.

Within four short months at the Cortez Hill Family Center program, 35% of families move into permanent housing, 24% gain employment, and 13% increase their income. Additional families secure temporary housing and access other critical resources.

Client Testimonials

Alecia's StoryBefore I came to the YWCA’s Becky’s House, my life was full of chaos and instability. I was a stay-at-home mom to my two-year-old son, and a Navy wife. On a daily basis, nothing I could do was ever good enough for my ex-husband. I would be yelled at and pushed around for the smallest things: if the house was not spotless; if it was raining outside; and sometimes just when my ex had a bad day at work. Since moving into the YWCA’s Becky’s House, my son and I have received counseling. I am going back to school to become a preschool director. My son’s behavior has changed for the better. Finally, after ten years in a bad relationship, there is consistency and positivity in my life.

Helen's StoryBefore I came to the YWCA’s Becky’s House, I was very unhappy, sad, I had no self-confidence, and I didn’t feel like anybody cared about me. I felt like I had no one to talk to. I felt like I was living someone else’s life because I couldn’t imagine that this was happening to me. I was always anxious and I always had to think twice before I spoke. I didn’t feel safe or comfortable in my house. I was ashamed of myself and the fact that my daughter had to go through this with me. I was hopeless and I felt like I had no control of my own life. Since moving into the YWCA’s Becky’sHouse, I am so very confident. I am more than happy. I now know that I am a wonderful person and I deserve to be respected and cherished. I found an amazing job and I am able to take care of myself and my daughter. I feel like myself again and am ready for the future.

Lucy's StoryBefore arriving at the YWCA’s Becky’s House Domestic Violence Shelter, I was in a relationship where my partner had absolute control over me and was physically violent towards me. He is the father of my children, who I lived with for 8 years. I did not feel free to make decisions for myself; I felt alone. I felt like a prisoner and I always lived in fear that his reactions might lead to more physical or verbal violence. Today, I feel free to decide for myself. I’m not isolated, and no one controls my life but me. I have gone to school, I have met new people, and I am working. I have received a lot of benefits through the YWCA’s Becky’s House Domestic Violence Program. I feel capable of achieving and overcoming any obstacle. I now know how much I am worth.